A player who cost Manchester United £13 million last season is now at the center of disciplinary concerns. With these revelations, many are questioning whether it’s time for the club to cut ties and move on to avoid further distractions.The spotlight has turned on how much impact one player’s off-field issues might have on the team’s focus and performance. Ruben Amorim may soon face a crucial decision as fans debate the player’s future and whether his departure could pave the way for a stronger, more disciplined squad.
Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones didn’t hesitate to speak out about his former teammate Anthony Martial’s issues with discipline during their time at the club. After leaving United when his contract ended last summer, Jones retired earlier this year and has since started pursuing a coaching career.
At 32, Jones has ventured into punditry, offering detailed insights into his 12-year stint at United through media appearances on TV, podcasts, and other outlets. Meanwhile, Martial, who left United a year after Jones, joined AEK Athens on a free transfer last summer and has enjoyed an injury-free season, scoring three goals in seven appearances.
Although both players faced numerous injury setbacks during their time at United, Jones didn’t hold back when discussing Martial’s reputation for lateness. At a recent public event, when asked about the player most known for being late, Jones immediately pointed to Martial, revealing that the French forward frequently arrived late for training, meetings, and even the team bus. Jones added that Martial accumulated numerous fines for his tardiness but seemed unbothered by the penalties.
Jones, who joined United in 2011 from Blackburn Rovers and went on to make 229 appearances for the club, also shared that he had a tough career marred by injuries. However, he earned 27 caps for England and played a part in United’s 2013 Premier League title win in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season. Now, Jones is focused on coaching, having worked with United’s Under-14 and Under-18 teams, while continuing his media career.
Martial, still in his prime, will likely aim to secure a move to a top European league or explore options in the MLS or Saudi Arabia in the future.
Phil Jones’ recent revelations about Anthony Martial’s discipline issues during their time at Manchester United shed light on some behind-the-scenes dynamics at the club. While both players endured lengthy injury struggles, Jones highlighted Martial’s recurring lateness as a notable issue, suggesting it was a persistent problem despite fines intended to curb it. Martial’s relaxed attitude toward penalties, as described by Jones, points to a potential reason for the French forward’s inconsistency at United.
Jones, who retired earlier this year and has transitioned into coaching and punditry, reflected candidly on his own injury-ravaged career. Despite the challenges, he had significant highlights, including being part of the 2013 Premier League-winning squad under Sir Alex Ferguson. Now, with coaching stints at United’s youth levels and growing media involvement, Jones is carving out a post-playing career focused on developing young talent and sharing insights from his 12-year stint at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Martial, having moved to AEK Athens on a free transfer, seems to have turned a corner physically, enjoying an injury-free spell. His three goals in seven appearances hint at a potential revival, though his next career move will be crucial. Whether he targets a return to a major European league, the MLS, or Saudi Arabia, Martial will need to demonstrate both consistency and professionalism to redefine his legacy.
